THREE ON THE TROT

For the league newcomers this was more a case of mission accomplished than anything else. This was a difficult game for the Essex side who had made a few changes from the previous week including debuts for Todd Bailey and BJ Tunde and they also had to rearrange the team last minute when Jamie Douglas had to withdraw just before kick off due to injury and Danny Cleare was quickly drafted in.

On top of that on this beautiful late summer afternoon they had to adapt to the impressive but unaccustomed artificial playing surface.

Having said that Rochford eventually ran out deserved victors against a committed Bedford outfit who were determined to make Rochford work hard for that win.

In truth it was a scrappy and error strewn game with some good play in parts, but Rochford know that they will have to perform better over the next important weeks.

Bedford started well and applied pressure from the word go and were rewarded with an early penalty kick which was duly slotted over.

Rochford’s pack was ,again, dominant and in some ways too much so as the referee penalised them for infringements in the set scrum which became frustrating .However the visitors upped the pace but time and again were let down by poor finishing and trying to force the pace a little too much.

Their efforts did pay off in the end as centre Damien Brambley speed over for an excellent try. Unfortunately, Cameron Greenhall’s conversion hit the post and bounced back into the field.

Ironically after some Bedford pressure they were awarded another penalty and the kicker’s attempt hit the post but bounced the other way which took the home side to a 6 – 5 advantage.

Rochford struck back straight away with winger Iain Meads finishing off some good attacking play and this time Greenhall made sure that the ball went between the posts to put his side ahead 12 - 6.

Bedford’s tactics were to keep their guests under pressure and force them into mistakes and Rochford duly obliged them.

A lone range penalty from their excellent kicker was successful and he then slotted over another just before half time to level the score.

The second half was different kettle of fish though. Rochford knew they had to up their game and take back control which they did to good effect. First, after some strong forward driving captain Harry Hudson emerged triumphant from under a melee of bodies and Greenhall add the extra two points.

Danny Cleare who had to come in as late replacement found himself back on the wing and very soon after he became “super sub” as he crossed the line for a fine individual try and the bonus point .Cameron Greenhall converted to take his side to a 26 – 12 lead

It started to look good for the Essex lads but a lapse in defence allowed Bedford to run in a try which was converted, and they were back under pressure again at 26 – 19.

That was as good as it got for the home side as Rochford increased the tempo and another similar forward driving effort saw Hudson go over and the conversion from Greenhall took them away again.

Centre Brambley put the icing on the cake with a late try and another good kicking afternoon by Greenhall saw him convert to bring up the 40 points.

Job well down but still a great deal to sort out but, once again, a dominant set of forwards allowed Rochford to attack from all phases and the lineouts were much better this week where Shields, Tunde, Hudson and others worked tirelessly.

Both debutants Tunde and Bailey impressed, and it was good to see Mark Billings back in the side at full back. Injuries to Craig Strachan and Jamie Douglas are worrying but Rochford should have the strength in depth to overcome these setbacks.

Big, big game next week when Rochford play host to also unbeaten outfit Guernsey and they will really need to be in gear for that one.